Method and apparatus for detecting surveillance devices

ABSTRACT

An integrated sweep kit provides for the detection and location of covert electronic eavesdropping devices of both the radiating type (ie. transmitting electromagnetic energy) and the non-radiating type (ie. not transmitting electromagnetic energy). The kit includes at least one non-radiating device sensor for actively transmitting a detection signal, which detection signal is adapted to trigger a response from a normally non-radiating device; and at least one radiating device sensor for passively receiving a signal generated by a radiating device. A synchronization means is used for consecutively activating operation of the non-radiating device sensor and the radiating device sensor during sequential time slots so that the sensors do not interfere with one another.

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for detecting andlocating covert electronic eavesdropping devices, and in particular tomethods and apparatus for detecting devices of the radiating type (ie.transmitting electromagnetic energy) and for detecting devices of thenon-radiating type (ie. not normally transmitting electromagneticenergy).

Where the threat of electronic espionage exists it is common practice toclear and secure sensitive locations by performing a TechnicalSurveillance Counter Measures (TSCM) Sweep.

Part of any TSCM sweep includes using electronic counter surveillanceequipment to detect and locate covert eavesdropping devices.

Typical electronic counter surveillance equipment may include countersurveillance radio receivers (e.g. harmonic receivers, spectrumanalysers, scanners etc.), broadband radio detectors, Non-LinearJunction Detectors (NLJDs) and radio jammers.

In the prior art, a TSCM operator has to separately deploy differenttypes of counter surveillance equipment to effectively combat the wideand varied threat posed by electronic eavesdropping devices.

By way of example, the counter surveillance radio receiver is ideallysuited for the detection of continuously radiating eavesdroppingdevices, while the broadband radio detector is ideally suited to thedetection of intermittently radiating eavesdropping devices and theNon-Linear Junction detector is ideally suited to the detection ofnon-radiating eavesdropping devices.

For every separate piece of detection equipment used, a time consumingsweep process must be repeated. Each sweep process effectively comprisessequentially examining a plurality of points or regions in space,possibly also each at a plurality of possible detection angles.Therefore, repeating the sweep pattern for each of a plurality ofdetector types is time consuming and inefficient.

Thus there is a need for a method and apparatus which can combine theconstituent parts of a TSCM sweep into a single, integrated real-timeoperation and thus reduce the time required to perform the sweepoperation.

In the prior art, the TSCM operator has to rely on limited informationfrom a single item of counter surveillance equipment when analysing thepotential threat of any encountered target. Basing a decision on limitedinformation can cause targets to be missed or mis-identified (falsealarms).

Mis-identification of targets can increase the time taken to perform asweep, whereas missing a target is obviously undesirable.

Thus there is a need for a method and apparatus that facilitates thecombining and processing of information from a plurality of sources soas to provide the TSCM operator with a more accurate threat assessmentof potential eavesdropping targets.

In the prior art, counter surveillance equipment is designed withdedicated signal demodulators and dedicated signal detectors to aid thesignal analysis process. As electronic eavesdropping devices become moresophisticated many of the dedicated demodulators and detectors becomeless useful to the TSCM operator.

Thus there is a need for an apparatus whose signal analysis capabilitycan be easily adapted/modified as more sophisticated eavesdroppingdevices become available.

In the prior art, where a large physical area is to be cleared andsecured during the TSCM sweep it is impossible to simultaneously deploya number of TSCM operators using different types of electronic countersurveillance equipment without suffering from mutual interferencebetween the various items of detection equipment.

By way of example, a counter surveillance receiver will detect and hencesuffer interference from any NLJD, which is operated in the samelocation at the same time.

Thus there is a further need for an apparatus which can co-exist withother similar types of apparatus without suffering from mutualinterference.

One object of the present invention is to reduce the time required toperform a TSCM sweep.

Another object of the present invention is to allow the TSCM sweep to beperformed in real-time.

A still further object of the present invention is to reduce the chancesof missing or mis-identifying an eavesdropping target during the TSCMsweep.

A still further object of this invention is to allow the signal analysiscapabilities of the single unit (signal detectors/signal demodulatorsetc.) to be adaptable so as to cover future trends in eavesdroppingdevice technology.

A yet further object of the present invention is to allow a plurality ofintegrated single units to co-exist and operate without suffering frommutual interference.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus fordetecting radiating and non-radiating electronic devices, comprising:

-   -   at least one non-radiating device sensor for actively        transmitting a detection signal which detection signal is        adapted to trigger a response from a normally non-radiating        device;    -   at least one radiating device sensor for passively receiving a        signal generated by a radiating device; and    -   synchronisation means for consecutively activating operation of        the non-radiating device sensor and the radiating device sensor        during sequential time slots.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatusfor detecting radiating electronic devices, comprising:

-   -   at least one radiating device sensor for passively receiving a        signal generated by a radiating device;    -   communication means for communication with at least one remote        non-radiating device sensor which sensor actively transmits a        detection signal to trigger a response from a normally        non-radiating device; and    -   synchronisation means for consecutively activating operation of        the remote non-radiating device sensor and the local radiating        device sensor during sequential time slots.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatusfor detecting non-radiating electronic devices, comprising:

-   -   at least one non-radiating device sensor for actively        transmitting a detection signal to trigger a response from a        normally non-radiating device;    -   communication means for communication with at least one remote        radiating device sensor which sensor passively receives a signal        generated by a radiating device; and    -   synchronisation means for consecutively activating operation of        the local non-radiating device sensor and the remote radiating        device sensor during sequential time slots.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method ofdetecting radiating and non-radiating electronic devices, comprising thesteps of:

-   -   activating at least one non-radiating device sensor that        actively transmitting a detection signal which detection signal        is adapted to trigger a response from a normally non-radiating        device;    -   activating at least one radiating device sensor for passively        receiving a signal generated by a radiating device; and    -   synchronising the activation of the non-radiating device sensor        and the radiating device sensor for consecutive operation of the        non-radiating device sensor and the radiating device sensor        during sequential time slots.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatusfor detecting radiating and non-radiating electronic devices, comprisingany two or more of the following non-radiating device sensors andradiating device sensors and their associated detectors, selected from:

-   -   a non-linear junction detector/radio jammer; a metal detector, a        harmonic receiver, a broadband detector, a spectrum analyser, a        single and/or multiple frequency receiver, a frequency counter,        a cable checker;    -   the non-radiating device sensors for actively transmitting a        detection signal which detection signal is adapted to trigger a        response from a normally non-radiating device and the radiating        device sensors for passively receiving a signal generated by a        radiating device; and    -   synchronisation means for enabling consecutive activation and        operation of any non-radiating device sensors/detectors and        radiating device sensors/detectors during sequential time slots.

The present invention provides an apparatus which integrates a pluralityof different types of counter surveillance equipment into a single unit,whereby the constituent parts of the integrated single unit can then beoperated, and their outputs interrogated and combined, in asimultaneous, synchronous, or asynchronous manner.

In order to achieve the foregoing objects, the present inventionpreferably integrates a number of items of electroniccounter-surveillance equipment into a single physical housing.

The constituent parts of the integrated unit may then be operated in asimultaneous, synchronous, or asynchronous manner to effectively reducethe required sweep time.

By the expression “simultaneous”, we mean that any detectors within theintegrated unit that do not cause mutual interference are active andinterrogated at the same time. By the expression “synchronous”, we meanthat any detectors that do cause mutual interference are activated andinterrogated at different times. By the expression “asynchronous”, wemean that, where required, any of the detectors can be operated on theirown, in a dedicated non-integrated mode.

During the integrated real-time sweep, the outputs from the constituentparts are monitored and combined to reduce the possibility of missedtargets or false alarms.

As future trends dictate, the signal analysis capabilities of the singleunit may be modified by means of an adaptable personality module. Thepersonality module may be upgraded via replacement or upload from thenetwork connection of the single unit.

Where a large area is to be swept, a network connection may allow aplurality of single units to be synchronised and thus avoid mutualinterference.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way ofexample and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the integrated sweep kit; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing temporal operation of theintegrated sweep kit.

Referring to FIG. 1, an integrated sweep kit apparatus of the presentinvention is indicated at 1, and includes sensors 2, detectors 3,processors 4, and a man machine interface 5 all housed in a commonenclosure 6.

The sensors 2 include non-radiating device sensors 7 (ie those sensorswhich actively emit radiation in their attempt to detect normallynon-radiating devices). The sensors 2 also include radiating devicesensors 8 (ie. those sensors which passively “listen” for radiationemitted by the radiating devices. The sensors may also include cablechecking sensors 9.

The non-radiating device sensors 7 may include, inter alia, transmit andreceive antennas for a NLJD and/or radio jammer 10, and a search headfor the metal detector 11.

The radiating device sensors 8 may include, inter alia, broadbandantennas 12 for radiating device detectors 18 and infra red sensors 13.

The cable checking sensors 9 may include, inter alia, interfaces totelephone systems 14, interfaces to AC mains cabling 15 and generalcabling interfaces 16.

Cable checking sensors may be of the active or passive types, ie. thosewhich actively drive signals onto the cables to establish propertiesthereof, or those which passively sense cable properties such as currentflow, voltage, or the like. Therefore, a cable checking sensor 9 mayfall into the category of non-radiating device sensor or radiatingdevice sensor, depending upon the type and application.

The detectors 3 include non-radiating device detectors 17 coupled to thenon-radiating device sensors 7. The detectors 3 also include radiatingdevice detectors 18 coupled to the radiating device sensors 8. Thedetectors may include cable checking detectors 19 coupled to the cablechecking sensors 9.

The non-radiating device detectors 17 may include, inter alia, any of aNLJD and/or radio jammer 20 and a metal detector 21.

The radiating device detectors 18 may include, inter alia, any of aharmonic receiver 22, a broadband detector 23, a spectrum analyser 45, asingle or multiple frequency receiver 46, or a frequency counter 47.

The cable checking detectors 19 may include, inter alia, any of adigital voltmeter 24, an audio amplifier 25, an oscilloscope 26, and atime domain reflector.

The processor 4 may include a main processor 27, a digital signalprocessing (DSP) engine 28, and a networking interface 29.

The main processor 27 performs a number of possible functions. These mayinclude unit interfacing functions 30 for providing an interface of theunit 1 with external devices, such as data logging devices, networks,other sweep kits and the like. The main processor 27 also performsmodule control functions 31 for controlling the activities of thevarious detectors 17, 18, 19 and sensors 7, 8, 9. The main processor 27may also provide data formatting functions 32 for providing data outputto external devices. The main processor 27 may also provide man machineinterface control functions 33 for controlling the man machine interfacedevices to be described later. The main processor 27 may also hold apersonality module 34 which determines modes of operation of theintegrated unit 1. These modes of operation may determine detectorcontrol and signal analysis required for different types of sweep, fordifferent types of environment, and/or for different configurations orcombinations of detectors/sensors.

More specifically, the personality module 34 may define a Man MachineInterface (MMI) and the detection capability of the apparatus. Bychanging the personality module (software) it is possible to upgrade ormodify the apparatus specification to meet specific user requirements,depending upon the specific TSCM sweeps required.

The DSP engine 28 may comprise a digital receiver 35 for the NLJD 20 andmay perform Fast Fourier Transforms 36 for real time analysis of outputsfrom the harmonic receiver 22 output. The DSP engine may also performtime domain analysis 37 on the output of the broadband detector 23.

The networking interface 29 allows the unit to be connected to variousperipheral devices 38 e.g. modems, printers, laptops etc. as well asallowing simultaneous use of a plurality of integrated sweep kit unitsvia a wireless network connection 39.

The man machine interface 5 may include user input devices 40 and useroutput devices 41. The user input devices 40 may comprise one or more ofan integral keypad and touch screen 42, or remote control devicescoupled via the networking interface 29.

The user output devices may include one or more of an integral displayunit 43, audio outputs 44, and remote devices coupled via the networkinginterface 29.

Referring to FIG. 2, when the unit is operating in a fully synchronousintegrated mode the detectors 3 will be controlled by the processor 4 tooperate in a synchronous manner that prevents the non-radiating devicesensors and detectors (ie. those that are active in the sense that theytransmit detection signals in order to trigger responses from normallynon-radiating devices) from causing interference with, or erroneoussignals to be derived from, the radiating device sensors and detectors(ie. those that are passive in the sense that they do not transmitdetection signals to trigger responses from devices, but rely oninherent emissions from the radiating devices).

Thus, in this manner, the processor 4 prevents the NLJD or radio jammer20 transmit section from interfering with the harmonic receiver 22 orthe broadband detector 23. More generally, synchronous operation ensuresthat simultaneous operation of detectors that would interfere with oneanother is prevented.

Each non-radiating device sensor that may interfere with a radiatingdevice sensor, or indeed with another different non-radiating devicesensor, is allocated a time slot 45 in which it may be active.

At the end of the non-radiating device sensor time slot 45, responsesfrom the relevant sensor or sensors will be stored in the main processor27 for subsequent processing, combining and/or formatting.

The radiating device sensors (ie. those which are “passive”) areallocated a subsequent time slot 46 in which, for example, the harmonicreceiver 22 and the broadband detector 23 may be operational. Generally,the radiating device sensors will not interfere with one another and mayall be operational during the time slot 46, ie. their operation may besimultaneous.

At the end of the radiating device sensor time slot 46, responses fromthe relevant sensors and detectors, such as harmonic receiver 22 andbroadband detector 23 will be stored in the main processor 27 forsubsequent processing, combining and formatting.

It will be understood that one or more non-radiating device sensor timeslots 45 and one or more radiating device sensor time slots 46 areallocated sequentially on a cyclical, continuous or intermittent basis.For example, the time slots may be contiguous or there may be a briefquiescent period between.

By virtue of the allocation of time slots, the processor 4 effectivelyacts as a synchronisation means for consecutively activating operationof at least one non-radiating device sensor and at least one radiatingdevice sensor, during sequential time slots.

A complete sweep may occupy a time frame 47 of indeterminate length,comprising as many time slots 45, 46 as required to complete the spatialextent of the sweep.

The length of each time slot may be adapted to suit the particularsensing/detection operation taking place. For example, the time slot fora non-radiating device sensor need not be the same as for a radiatingdevice sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the combined time of one slotfor each of the different sensors (ie. one full cycle time) is around0.25 seconds, so that each sensor is activated four times per second.However, this may be varied according to the requirements of the TSCMsweep.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable for one sensor to beallocated two separate time slots within one full cycle of sensor timeslots.

In a preferred arrangement, the cycle time of the time slots (and thusthe duration of each time slot) is adapted such that the users noticeno, or very little, difference in the speed with which they mustmanipulate the integrated sweep kit around a predetermined sweep path,as compared to the speed with which a single sensor device would beoperated. To this end, in a preferred configuration, a maximum of 1 to 2seconds per time slot is envisaged, or a maximum time for one cycle ofabout 5 to 10 seconds, depending upon the number of sensors in use.

At the end of the integrated sweep kit time frame 47, the main processor27 will format the responses obtained during the timeslots 45 and 46 toproduce an output to the operator via the man machine interface 5.

Alternatively, the processor may continually update responses based onoutputs received during the non-radiating device sensor time slots 45and the radiating device sensor time slots 46, in real time.

Preferably, the personality module 34 includes control code fordetermining the allocation of time slots to the available sensors anddetectors depending upon the sensors and detectors available in theintegrated sweep kit 1, and depending upon a selected type of sweeprequired.

Outputs from the different detectors may be combined and analysed usingartificial intelligence techniques such as decision trees, rule basedlogic and fuzzy logic to form a decision whereby a target can beaccurately and reliably identified. As new eavesdropping devices aredeveloped, new rules can be learnt by the equipment, or new rules can beadded to the equipment.

The outputs from the different detectors can also be combined andanalysed using artificial intelligence techniques such as patternrecognition. The outputs from each target will form a pattern, which canthen be used as the target's signature, allowing the target to beidentified. As new eavesdropping devices are developed the artificialintelligence can learn to identify and create new signatures or newsignatures can be added to the equipment.

Although the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 shows the various detectorsand sensors housed in a common enclosure, it will be recognised that thevarious sensors, detectors and processors could be distributed, ie.deployed in a plurality of separate, discrete housings. In thisinstance, each separately housed part of the sweep kit apparatus 1includes a synchronisation controller that allows each part tocommunicate with the other parts to ensure that each part is permittedto operate only in its allocated time slot 45, 46 to ensure that thereis no collision or interference between the parts.

Although the preferred mode of operation of the integrated sweep kit isfor synchronous operation of the non-radiating device sensors and theradiating device sensors, it will be understood that the apparatus mayalso be configured to operate in an asynchronous mode, in which anysingle sensor and detector is enabled to operate alone in a dedicatedmode. This may be advantageous, particularly after an initialsynchronous sweep using multiple sensors, to provide optimum data onpotential target identified in the synchronous sweep.

Other embodiments are intentionally within the scope of the accompanyingclaims.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. Apparatus for detecting radiating and non-radiatingelectronic devices, comprising: at least one non-radiating device sensorfor actively transmitting a detection signal which detection signal isadapted to trigger a response from a normally non-radiating device; atleast one radiating device sensor for passively receiving a signalgenerated by a radiating device; and at least one controller forconsecutively activating operation of the at least one non-radiatingdevice sensor and the at least one radiating device sensor duringsequential time slots.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 in which the atleast one non-radiating device sensor includes a transmit/receiveantenna for detection of metals and/or semiconductors.
 21. The apparatusof claim 19 in which the at least one non-radiating device sensorincludes a cable checking sensor.
 22. The apparatus of claim 19 in whichthe at least one radiating device sensor includes any one or more of: areceive antenna for detection of radiating devices; an infra red sensor;and a cable checking sensor for detection of electrical and/orelectromagnetic signals on a cable.
 23. The apparatus of claim 19further including a non-radiating device detector coupled to the atleast one non-radiating device sensor.
 24. The apparatus of claim 19further including at least one radiating device detector coupled to theat least one radiating device sensor.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24 inwhich the at least one radiating device detector includes a harmonicreceiver.
 26. The apparatus of claim 24 in which the at least oneradiating device detector comprises a broadband receiver.
 27. Theapparatus of claim 24 in which the at least one radiating devicedetector comprises any one or more of a digital voltmeter, an audioamplifier and an oscilloscope.
 28. The apparatus of claim 19 furtherincluding a digital signal processor for processing signals output fromany one or more of the at least one non-radiating device sensor and theat least one radiating device sensor.
 29. The apparatus of claim 19housed in a single portable casing.
 30. The apparatus of claim 19including said at least one radiating device sensor and at least twosaid non-radiating device sensors, the at least one controllerallocating different time slots to each of the non-radiating devicesensors and to the at least one radiating device sensor.
 31. Theapparatus of claim 19 in which the at least one radiating device sensoris provided in a first housing having a first controller, and the atleast one non-radiating device sensor is provided in a second housinghaving a second controller, and in which the controllers are incommunication with one another for coordinating said consecutivelyactivated operation of the at least one non-radiating device sensor andthe at least one radiating device sensor during sequential time slots.32. Apparatus for detecting radiating electronic devices, comprising: atleast one radiating device sensor for passively receiving a signalgenerated by a radiating device; a controller, in communication with atleast one remote non-radiating device sensor which sensor activelytransmits a detection signal to trigger a response from a normallynon-radiating device, for consecutively activating operation of theremote non-radiating device sensor and the local radiating device sensorduring sequential time slots.
 33. Apparatus for detecting non-radiatingelectronic devices, comprising: at least one non-radiating device sensorfor actively transmitting a detection signal to trigger a response froma normally non-radiating device; a controller, in communication with atleast one remote radiating device sensor which sensor passively receivesa signal generated by a radiating device, for consecutively activatingoperation of the local non-radiating device sensor and the remoteradiating device sensor during sequential time slots.
 34. A method ofdetecting radiating and non-radiating electronic devices, comprising:activating at least one non-radiating device sensor that activelytransmits a detection signal which detection signal is adapted totrigger a response from a normally non-radiating device; activating atleast one radiating device sensor for passively receiving a signalgenerated by a radiating device; and automatically synchronizing theactivation of the non-radiating device sensor and the radiating devicesensor for consecutive operation of the non-radiating device sensor andthe radiating device sensor during sequential time slots.
 35. Apparatusfor detecting radiating and non-radiating electronic devices, comprisingany two or more of the following non-radiating device sensors andradiating device sensors and their associated detectors, selected from:a non-linear junction detector/radio jammer; a metal detector, aharmonic receiver, a broadband detector, a spectrum analyser, a singleand/or multiple frequency receiver, a frequency counter, a cablechecker; the non-radiating device sensors for actively transmitting adetection signal which detection signal is adapted to trigger a responsefrom a normally non-radiating device and the radiating device sensorsfor passively receiving a signal generated by a radiating device; andsynchronization means for enabling consecutive activation and operationof any non-radiating device sensors/detectors and radiating devicesensors/detectors during sequential time slots.
 36. Apparatus fordetecting radiating and non-radiating electronic devices, comprising: atleast one non-radiating device sensor for actively transmitting adetection signal which detection signal is adapted to trigger a responsefrom a normally non-radiating device; at least one radiating devicesensor for passively receiving a signal generated by a radiating device;and synchronization means for consecutively activating operation of theat least one non-radiating device sensor and the at least one radiatingdevice sensor during sequential time slots.
 37. The apparatus of claim36, wherein the at least one non-radiating device sensor includes meansfor receiving a response from the normally non-radiating device.
 38. Theapparatus of claim 36 further including digital signal processing meansfor processing signals output from any one or more of the at least onenon-radiating device sensor and the at least one radiating devicesensor.